Mumbai set to witness first installation of 210 artificial reefs

Posted 06 Apr 2024

2 min read

About Artificial reefs
- These are engineering technology interventions are used to rehabilitate and/ or improve natural habitats.
  - These are placed on the seabed with a fixed scientific design and functions as a self-sustaining production system.
- They mimic characteristics of a natural reef.
  - Natural reef is a ridge of material at or near the surface of the ocean, made of rocks or the skeletons of small animals called corals.
- Materials used: Rocks, cinder blocks, wood, old tires, limestone, steel, and concrete.

Benefits of Artificial reefs
- Marine Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement: Providing firm substrates for Corals, algae and plankton etc.
  - It also acts as a carbon sink and also helps in nutrient recycling, maintenance of water quality and waste management.
- Development of Fisheries: Aggregates fish and provide nursery grounds for fish resulting in increase in catch rates saving fuel and energy costs.
  - Also, enhance recreational fisheries such as snorkelling.
- Other: Reduces wave damage on coasts and restricts bottom trawling, promotes eco-tourism etc.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Department of Fisheries promotes artificial reef units for coastal states as a sub-activity under “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages'' of the scheme.
- It is implemented with support from Fishery Survey of India and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

Articles Sources

Watch News Today